SouLutions: Destiny - 2017

An excellent debut album here from a laid back soul/funk outfit from North East England. Firstly, the album has fantastic sound quality (in contrast to another reviewer who seemed, incomprehensibly, to have a problem with it). It is clear, sharp and with a big, booming bass too.

On the opener, Sunday Love, they quote The Jones Girls’ Nights Over Egypt, unsurprisingly, as the track has more than a feel of it about it. Their brand of smooth, late night soul is very much in that vein. Even the next track, 

Listen, while more bassy and upbeat, has that easy groove to it that just washes over you. All Your Love has more than a hint of Rose Royce to it at the beginning before it goes into 80s funk territory, with some excellent percussion backing and a killer bass line. The singer, Louise Mehan, has that Rufus-era Chaka Khan sound to her voice or, as I previously alluded to, the singer in Rose Royce, Gwen something? Googled it. Gwen Dickey.

Philly Line (Hit The Tracks) was the song that inspired me to buy this album, when I heard on BBC Radio Newcastle’s excellent “Saturday Night Soul Show”. Listening to it, you wouldn’t believe it was a group from NE England, as they sing sbout getting on the Amtrak train in New York and going to Philadelphia, while listening to Stevie Wonder’s Songs In The Key Of Life. It has a real 70s funky Philly sound guitar bit too. Great track.

There is a great intro to The Love Of A Good Man. 

Peridot is nice funky instrumental. The title track, Destiny sees Louise go all Lisa Stansfield to great effect and Downtown is an excellent, soulful closer with shared male and female lead vocals. Savannah Rising goes a bit over the top, bass thump-wise, but it is a small criticism.

I could go on, track by track, but I’m sure you’ve got the picture by now. If you like the artists I have mentioned, check this band out.

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